Back when it released in the early 90s, The 7th Guest was a puzzle-based milestone, challenging players to unravel its enigmas – for many gamers at the time, it was their very first CD-ROM game – something that can also be said about Myst. Now, nearly 30 years later, Vertigo Games has revitalized this cult classic, thrusting it into the realm of virtual reality, where we rediscovered it using a Quest 2 headset.
Still set in the foreboding mansion of the reclusive toymaker, Henry Stauf, The 7th Guest VR retells a tale of mystery and intrigue. As the seventh guest at a mysterious party, you navigate through the eerie halls, guided by a spectral lamp that reveals the mansion’s history. The integration of volumetric video capture breathes new life into the characters, allowing for a 360-degree view of their ghostly presence that’s much more effective than the 2D video and stereo audio of the original.
The puzzles strike a balance between challenge and accessibility – though most of them aren’t going to win over puzzle purists. Players must still employ their wits, but the main appeal for The 7th Guest lies with its audiovisual presentation, which was adapted well for VR. Speaking of VR, the streamlined introduction provides a quick grasp of the controls, although some interactions with objects can occasionally feel clunky. This is just a minor issue in an otherwise very immersive experience, and one that’s easily overlooked when you consider the source material is 30 years old at this point.
The atmospheric presentation is a standout feature. The mansion, draped in haunting webs, exudes an unsettling charm. The spectral lamp adds a layer of depth, revealing alternate versions of the same space, and things like shifting images add to the eerie ambiance – even though it’s stuff you’ve seen countless times before in horror films. And while the original used flat screen video, the developers have done a great job in making it seem as if these actors are fully integrated into the environment.
The VR implementation is seamless and plays well, providing an immersive experience whether seated or standing. The mansion’s intricate details, presented in three-dimensional splendor, add to the haunting allure. The puzzles have also received a VR makeover, now requiring more 3D manipulation, effectively leveraging the medium and making good use of motion controls. A spirit board serves as a lifeline for those in need, offering hints or solutions when puzzles prove too obstinate – without the need to go online (which back in the CD-ROM days was a rarity anyway). This thoughtful addition ensures players can progress without undue frustration.
The game’s spatial audio design, complete with creaks, groans, and distant thunder, complements the haunted mansion setting, enveloping players in its chilling embrace in a great way through the use of VR. In summary, The 7th Guest VR strikes a delicate balance between homage and innovation. By maintaining the original’s essence while embracing modern technology, Vertigo Games has crafted a VR experience that feels like a very worthwhile realization of the original creators’ vision. Whether a devoted fan or a newcomer, this VR rendition is a hauntingly satisfying journey through a murder mystery escape room, a testament to the enduring allure of this PC classic.
Score: 8.0/10
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